Q: How do you post the Ten Commandments in schools without telling children who are not in the Judeo-Christian heritage that their form of religious expression is invalid? A: There’s nothing wrong with posting the Ten Commandments in our schools today,
because they are the basis of Western civilization. Also, when you look to what’s happened in the last 40 years to the quality of life in this country, when prayer was barred from school, I think it’s fitting and proper that we have voluntary prayer.
Source: GOP Debate in Johnston, Iowa
Jan 16, 2000
School prayer OK; civil rights are local issues
Forbes indicates that religious expression on public school property should be allowed. He says, “Enforcement of civil rights should occur at the local, state and federal level.”
Source: Vote-Smart.org 2000 NPAT
Jan 13, 2000
No separation of religion from civic life
[We should] protect people of all faiths--or of no faith--from encroachments by the state that violate their consciences and most deeply held beliefs. The Founders never intended the separation of church from state to become a
separation of religion from public and civic life. There is no reason why a child should be denied the right to hold a Bible study before or after school, or write an essay about a biblical figure during school
Source: “A New Birth of Freedom,” p. 143-4
Nov 9, 1999
Would hire gays if they share his principles
Q: Would you hire qualified men and women to work in your administration, who are openly gay? A: I will hire people who are qualified for the job, people who can do the work at hand; people who are there to get something done. If a person wants
a job to make a statement, they’re not going to get it. If a person wants a job because they’re qualified and [share my] principles and philosophy, they will be actively considered for it. I believe in equal rights for all, special rights for none.
Source: Republican Debate at Dartmouth College
Oct 29, 1999
Against video gambling - not an economic backbone
“I oppose video gambling and I think that gets to the whole issue of gambling,” Forbes said while campaigning in South Carolina. Residents there will vote this fall on whether they want to keep the video gambling industry in the state. Next year they
will decide on a state lottery. “While people think the lottery is much less harmful than video gambling - and they are right on that - the thing to remember about gambling is it does not create a backbone for a powerful economy,” Forbes said.
Source: Bruce Smith, Associated Press
Sep 4, 1999
Against casino gambling; against airborne gambling
Forbes, a New Jersey resident, says he voted against introducing casino gambling in Atlantic City in 1977. In a 1996 column panning proposals to allow video gambling on airplanes, the magazine publisher wrote: “We have enough gambling opportunities on
the ground. There ought to be a haven in the heavens from these temptations.”
Steve Forbes called the House’s approval of displaying the Ten Commandments “a positive thing. The Ten Commandments, we need to understand and adhere to. The more we see them, the better off we’ll be.”
Source: CNN AllPolitics “Mixed views”
Jun 18, 1999
No race or gender quotas nor preference
Forbes strongly supports laws to protect the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of their race, gender, or ethnic background. As President, he would vigorously enforce such laws. He also supports policy reforms that would remove barriers to
economic and educational opportunity for all Americans. Steve opposes unfair and unjust racial and gender-driven quotas, set-asides and other forms of preferential treatment.
Source: www.forbes2000.com “Personal Security”
May 21, 1999
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